Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wasn’t able to profit off his NIL rights as a defensive tackle at Miami in the 1990s, but he is making sure kids today get the chance to make a few bucks.
The former professional wrestler turned Hollywood actor and XFL owner has his own energy drink, ZOA, which has entered the NIL world in a very big way. An annual program dubbed, “The Rock’s Warriors,” has signed NIL deals with seven college athletes.
Those athletes include:
- Angel Reese from Louisiana State University (LSU) in basketball,
- Hansel Enmanuel from Austin Peay State University in basketball,
- Brock Bowers from the University of Georgia in football,
- Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State University in football,
- Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in football,
- Kam Kinchens from the University of Miami in football, and
- Amaya Gainer from Florida A&M University in softball.
“Through this first-of-its-kind NIL expansion program, ZOA Energy will bring together some of the greatest college athletes of our time,” The Rock said in a statement. “I know from experience the grit and hard work that’s required of these college athletes to get the job done. Not just during their championship games or in the classrooms, but every day in the game of life. ZOA gives people that power, that unique energy to fuel themselves and fuel others around them – that’s why I’m super pumped about uniting all of The Rock’s Warriors under one roof.
“I personally selected these phenomenal individuals because of the energy, tenacity, and excitement they bring to the game. With a diverse set of stories and experiences, they’re driven, hungry, talented, and ready for ZOA to help fuel them to greatness.”
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In the agreements, the athletes will lead an upcoming marketing campaign for the energy drink and will release content across their social media platforms.
Angel Reese is the most notable person in this group as she has seen her stock skyrise following LSU’s national title and her controversial, but marketable gestures she displayed during the game. She gained millions of followers and signed NIL deals with brands like PlayStation and Starry.
Marvin Harrison had 77 catches for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022 and is becoming a rising star. Drake Maye wrapped up his rookie campaign throwing for 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
